Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Kreidler Las Vegas 2.0 650B Review

10.09.2014
by

The German company Kreidler has named their full-suspension e-mountainbike “Las Vegas” after the gambling Eldorado in the desert of Nevada. The poppy design pays tribute to the “glitz and glamour“-look with a pearl red finish and gold decals reminding us of some casinos. Will we find our true trail luck here?

Kreidler Las Vegas 2.0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (1 von 9)

First impressions

In choosing parts for the 140mm full-suspension bike, rationality and function are clearly the main priorities. The Shimano XT gears and brakes, faultless Magura suspension parts, and proven Bosch performance drive unit are proof in the pudding.

Our test bike is only criticized for the lack of a dropper post, the long (100mm) stem and the under-dimensioned (for this class of bike) Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires (2.25“ width). Kreidler has left the plastic cover off the motor, which wasn‘t something every tester found aesthetically pleasing, but it does create room to allow for shorter chainstays (455mm), which have a positive effect on the handling — all true to the motto “form follows function.“

Kreidler Las Vegas 2.0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (3 von 9)


The Kreidler Las Vegas costs 3.499 EUR.


Specification

On climbs the slightly stretched riding position was pleasant; however, the high ratio gears fitted limited the performance on steep climbs, as the lowest gear was too high. Even while using the turbo-mode on the Bosch motor, steep terrain required a lot of effort. If riding with the rear suspension damping set open (one of three available settings), the rear end bobs slightly if standing. In the second setting (firm), however, it is very efficient and transforms all of your power into forward momentum.

Kreidler Las Vegas 2.0 E-Mountainbike Magazine (2 von 9)

Handling

Front and rear suspension harmonize wel,l giving a very planted feeling. The suspension reacts perfectly to the smallest bumps, and bigger hits are also absorbed with bravado, using the whole available travel. Bottom outs are safely prevented with a pleasant end-stroke progression

The long 1185mm wheelbase and potent suspension keep the Kreidler safely on course. It turns into a plush mobile sofa, willingly ironing out hits. The rider feels well integrated on the bike and even the roughest terrain wouldn‘t make the bike sweat if it wasn‘t for the narrow, low profile tires and long stem mentioned earlier.

Both these factors can be economically replaced, and doing so would considerably increase the riding fun. The bike also masters tight trail situations well, mostly thanks to the relatively short 455mm chainstays. We wouldn‘t describe it as playful, but it is happy to ride through tight corners and can be willingly steered.

Powerful. Shimano XT is currently one of the most reliable and strongest brakes available – on the Kreidler it won friends with great modulation, power and its stylish finish.
Powerfull. Shimano XT is currently one of the most reliable and strongest brakes available – on the Kreidler it won friends with great modulation, power and its stylish finish.
Under dimensioned. The Kreidler is crying out for high speeds on demanding trails. The rider is held back by the narrow, low profile Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires.
Under dimensioned. The Kreidler is crying out for high speeds on demanding trails. The rider is held back by the narrow, low profile Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires.
Rustic. The looks divided opinion, but one thing is fact: by doing without the plastic motor cover, Kreidler’s engineers were able to build the Las Vegas with shorter chainstays.
Rustic. The looks divided opinion, but one thing is fact: by doing without the plastic motor cover, Kreidler’s engineers were able to build the Las Vegas with shorter chainstays.
Ratio problems. The cassette fitted to the Kreidler only has a 34-tooth granny sprocket, which is too small for the ratio provided by the motor unit. Steep climbs are pretty hard work even with the e-power; we would recommend an 11-36 cassette.
Ratio problems. The cassette fitted to the Kreidler only has a 34-tooth granny sprocket, which is too small for the ratio provided by the motor unit. Steep climbs are pretty hard work even with the e-power; we would recommend an 11-36 cassette.

Conclusion: the Kreidler Las Vegas 2.0 650 B has huge potential with an outstanding chassis and well-chosen geometry. A few small spec changes would allow it to offer loads more trail fun.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text and Photo: Christoph Bayer

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